I am delighted to introduce you to Dr. Linda Dindzans today, who brings us her first book in the series of Biblical Fiction books, A Certain Future. Book One is titled A Certain Man, and the setting is ancient Samaria during the time of Jesus.
One of the greatest aspects of being a writer is the wonderful connection we make with other writers. When we talked about her book, we also found that both of us are singers. Linda and I took a great pleasure in the discovery of bonds to both music and literature.
I don’t want to provide any spoilers, but I will say A Certain Man addresses issues faced during ancient times, which we still fight in modern times. This fact makes the story relatable to a modern audience. This tale will also address powerful emotions as the setting includes treacherous, scandalous times in the bible. Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome. Intrigued? I am!
To get to know more about Linda, her calling, and her life, below are some fun questions she answered.
What is the one thing we would never guess about you?
I met my husband Vince “over a dead body.”
Let me explain… We were both first year med students and all seat and position assignments were alphabetical order. For every class or lab. My maiden name started with C and he was D (Dindzans), so we were always in close proximity. In anatomy lab he was one station over, but our groups would consult one another about our dissections.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you like?
A balance of energy and rest. Energy –Spiritual, creative, emotional empathy and physical. Rest–sleep, and during wakefulness ability to be in the moment and not do. And the wisdom to know when each is needed!
If you could meet any fictional character, who would you be and why?
Scarlet O’Hara in Gone with the Wind.I am intrigued by bright young women who are trapped in impossible situations be it cultural norms, war, or family dysfunction. I would love to more fully understand how she came to some of her obviously disastrous decisions. The scene on the hill at Tara where Scarlet puts her fist in the air and declares “I will never be hungry again” still sends chills up my spine. I would also love to have read a sequel that did the original justice.
What is your next writing project?
A Certain Man is the first book in the A Certain Future series. Book two is A Certain Mercy. I am plotting now. Many of the characters from the first book will appear in the second, but the character arc of Theo is completed in this one.
What book or book series have you recently enjoyed reading?
There are so many. Anything, anything by Mesu Andrews or Angela Hunt. And for something totally different. The Appalachia books by Cindy Sproles. Every. Single. One.
How do you relax and recharge when you step away from writing?
I play pickleball several times a week–for sanity and exercise and social interaction. My husband and I sing with two choirs. When I step away from writing, we travel. But… with these books on the horizon, I am going to need to learn how to still do some work on the road and be grateful, I have a road, or sea, or river to travel. And friends to travel with.
What’s your best advice for other writers?
Persist. Dedicate yourself to learning craft and continual improvement.
Do you journal?
Some, but not regularly.
What genre would you like to consider in the future that differs from that/those you do now?
I believe I am called to write Biblical fiction. Those are the stories that come to me, but I do have an idea for a time-slip.
What are you most thankful for?
The gifts of faith, family and friends.
Media Connections to Linda:
Website: (coming soon) lindadindzans.com
Instagram: @lindadindzans
Facebook: Linda Dindzans, Author
Good interview. I’m excited to read this soon and then the others in the series. Congratulations, Linda!
I’m getting excited about plotting A Certain Mercy and following those oh-so-intriguing research rabbit trails
Thanks, Delores! I agree with you.
I have always loved Linda’s honest humility. Fun and interesting facts and thoughts came out of this interview. So proud to know Linda and to continue to cheer on this most recent of endeavors by whom I consider to be a remarkable woman!
Thank you for your early and continued support and prayers!